Champaign will have a new police chief, beginning March 12.

Anthony Cobb, a 42-year-old assistant police chief in Urbana, was named to his new post on Friday by Champaign City Manager Steve Carter. Cobb is succeeding R.T. Finney, who retired earlier this month. Carter said Cobb, a native of Champaign, has been a success during his 20 years in Urbana's police department and is prepared him to be police chief.

Cobb was the choice over three other finalists: Oak Forest Police Chief Gregory Anderson, then-St. Louis police Lt. Col. Antoinette Filla and East Lansing, Mich., police Capt. Kim Johnson.

Cobb said he is honored to lead the department.